Getting down to better managing water: source of life and blessing
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In the South-West, not far from Tulear, the small village of Tanambe Manirisoa is located in an arid zone, surrounded by cacti. The poor soil and poor maintenance of the borehole in place have led to the fact that around 250 people have been using groundwater to meet their daily needs, particularly for hygiene, cooking, laundry and even water for livestock and agriculture for more than 7 years.
In 2022, the borehole rehabilitated by UNICEF and its partner the NGO SAHI made it possible to quickly address the situation. The immediate impacts of being able to access drinking water again have even been the subject of advocacy and personal commitment from the president of the village in order to encourage the population to respect the infrastructures and better maintain the water point.
Indeed, the existing borehole broke down, with no prospect of renovation by the local authorities. This is the main reason for the groundwater alternative, yet this alternative does not ensure good health. While using it, the inhabitants are exposed to waterborne diseases, diarrhoea and other infections.
Thus, this new source of water was baptized "spring and blessing water" thanks to the immediate and positive impacts it brought to the population. The borehole is equipped with a human-powered pump and is fenced in order to be protected from the outside environment and to remain drinkable. The drinking water that spurts out from there naturally is therefore certainly safer, and has greatly contributed to changing habits and hygiene practices in the village, and even in the surrounding communities. The villagers have organized themselves to ensure the management of this natural heritage. Aware of the fact of having a precious source for everyone's survival, a social pact, in other words "Dina", or rules established by the community itself make it possible to maintain the water point in good condition, to manage and support the use thereof to ensure its durability. The President of the district stated that “the preservation of water is necessary because as we know, without water, there is no life”.
More than ever, motivated by this source of life, the President of the village is committed to sensitizing the other neighbouring villages on the good management of water and to maintaining cleanliness in the village so that fewer children have to pay the price of insalubrity.
